The Philadelphia Phillies have won the Michael Lorenzen sweepstakes.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Tuesday that the Phillies are acquiring the right-hander Lorenzen in a trade with the Detroit Tigers. The deal reportedly involves infield prospect Hao Yu-Lee going back to Detroit.
Lorenzen, 31, was a highly coveted starting pitcher on the trade market. He just made the All-Star team this year and has a 3.58 ERA in 105.2 innings pitched (approaching his career high). While Lorenzen will be a free agent after the season, he has the flexibility to slot in as a starter or as a multi-inning reliever.
After a slow start to the year, the Phillies are finding their groove. Though they won’t catch the Atlanta Braves for the division lead, Philadelphia now holds the second NL wild-card spot at 57-49 (albeit with three other teams within half a game). The acquisition of Lorenzen, whom they beat out multiple top contenders for, gives the Phillies the option of going with a six-man rotation for the time being and then possibly firing up Lorenzen out of the bullpen once the dust settles.
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